British Icon And Horror Queen Barbara Shelley Dies Aged 88

English icon Barbara Shelley, popular for headlining prominent horror films, has passed away aged 88. Honoured with the 'Queen of Hammer' title for her extensive work in the Hammer Horror genre through the 1950s and 60s, Shelley was a popular figure in British culture. Shelley's legacy is cemented by her memorable roles in The Gorgon, Dracula Prince Of Darkness, Rasputin, and Blood Of The Vampire. Her agent revealed that she had reportedly recovered from COVID-19 some time ago.

Tributes are pouring in for the film giant. Mourning her death, Shelley's talent management agency wrote, "Our Dear client BARBARA SHELLEY has passed away at the age of 88. The leading technicolour Lady of Hammer! A as powerful in life as on the screen! Thank you for your love and kindness Barbara! Hammer heaven now."

Our Dear client BARBARA SHELLEY has passed away at the age of 88. The leading technicolour Lady of Hammer! A as powerful in life as on the screen! Thank you for your love and kindness Barbara! Hammer heaven now. #BarbaraShelley #HammerHorror #dracula #actress #leadinglady #star pic.twitter.com/aRSpyVa6HN

— Bowington Management (@BowingtonM) January 4, 2021

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Remembering Barbara Shelley's Legacy

Hailing from London, Shelley's film career took flight in the 1950s, when she began appearing in a string of Hammer Productions' horror films as their leading lady. Through the 60s, Shelley maintained her throne as the ultimate 'scream queen,' opposite other Hammer Horror stalwarts like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

Shelley's career chart also comprises other successes she found on the small screen. She appeared in series like The Saint, The Avengers, Blake's 7, and EastEnders. Shelley also appeared alongside Peter Davison in Doctor Who's 21st season.

Thomas Bowington, Shelley's agent, was quoted in The Mirror saying, "She really was Hammer's number one leading lady and the technicolour queen of Hammer. On screen she could be quietly evil. She goes from statuesque beauty to just animalistic wildness."

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Tributes Pour In For The Horror Queen

It has come as a shock to many to learn of Shelley's passing. People are mourning the late horror queen's death on social media, reminiscing her best roles. We rounded up some tributes for you:

Hammer Horror, announcing news of Shelley's death, said she was "one of the greatest Hammer stars."

I am sad to relay that one of the greatest Hammer stars Barabara Shelley has passed away after a Covid battle. She would have been 89 next month. She made many classics including: The Gorgon (1964), Dracula, Prince of Darkness (1966), Rasputin (1966) & Quatermass & the Pit (1967) pic.twitter.com/8LGDmjmqhY

— Hammer Horror Films (@HorrorHammer1) January 4, 2021

Nicola Bryant, Shelley's Doctor Who colleague remembered the late actor on Twitter.

So very sad to hear of the passing of #BarbaraShelley. A darling person and a talented actress. When we worked together on Planet of Fire she was so kind to me. She gave me a little owl, still in my possession and some good advice. #RIPBarbaraShelley Wise and wonderful lady. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/O4keVU7ow5

— Nicola Bryant (@thenicolabryant) January 4, 2021

Goodbye to glorious Barbara Shelley. pic.twitter.com/FtX9YaHbDI

— Benjamin Dreyer (@BCDreyer) January 4, 2021

Awoke to the sad news that Barbara Shelley has passed away at the age of 88. An unforgettable screen presence and a personal crush of mine ever since I first saw her in THE SECRET OF BLOOD ISLAND. Defied the Hammer casting couch with a resolute “We’ll have none of that.” pic.twitter.com/DpvleGlJzp

— Richard Harland Smith (@RHarlandSmith) January 4, 2021

Sad to hear of the death of Barbara Shelley. @tomahawkpress invited her to my Will Hay book launch @BFI. Had a grear chat with her in the green room & we then watched Where's that Fire? Afterwards she said "Graham I've had a lovely day but I'm still not a fan of Will Hay" 😉 pic.twitter.com/U9VSEHaL0b

— Graham Rinaldi (@RinaldiRobaccia) January 4, 2021

One user brought notice to the two huge losses the global entertainment industry saw at the start of a new year. Read more about Tanya Roberts.

Barbara Shelley AND Tanya Roberts have passed away? It's going to be one of those years, isn't it? R.I.P. to both... pic.twitter.com/kFZJxbdaEQ

— House Of Freudstein (@Freudstein2016) January 4, 2021